Free Consultation
$0 first 120 minutes
PRO
Sean M. Dormer
also known as Sean Michael Dormer
Virtual Consultation Available
Free Consultation
About Sean
Biography
If you ask Sean why he does personal injury work, this is the story he tells: "You know, I guess I’ve been picking fights with bullies since I was a kid. I was riding the bus home one day in middle school, and I saw another boy picking on someone about half his size. So, I stood up and told him what I thought of what he was doing. When we got off at our stop, he made it clear to me that we were going to have a fight about it. He was about a head taller than me. I don’t think I won, but I did get him to go away and leave us alone. That was a scary moment for me. But I’ve always been glad I spoke up."
About 20 years later, Sean is picking fights to help people who’ve been hurt due to the irresponsible acts of others. He’s accepted clients who were rejected by multiple other lawyers, brought their cases to trial, and won against long odds. He’s advised his clients to reject unjust settlement offers from some of the world’s largest and most powerful companies and forced those companies to pay far more than they said they would. In 2017, he helped a single mom who was permanently injured get justice from one of the largest grocery store chains in the country. The company offered only $250,000. Sean and his team obtained a jury verdict of $1.77 million. The case settled for $2.1 million after Sean and his team asked the court to add interest and costs and to increase the damages caps.
Sean’s willingness to fight means his clients often don’t have to. Sean and his team recently tried a case against a large insurance company and secured a judgment for hundreds of thousands of dollars – almost triple what the company offered to pay. That company now offers Sean’s other clients fairer settlements.
Sean and his team help people who have been injured in car, bike, vehicle vs. pedestrian, motorcycle, and truck accidents; people injured because of negligent property design, property cleaning, or property maintenance; people injured by dangerous products of all different categories; and people with a multitude of other types of personal injury claims.
Sean has also dedicated himself to helping improve the chances of personal injury victims throughout Colorado. He has accepted multiple invitations to speak about trial techniques at statewide meetings of the Colorado Trial Lawyers’ Association and other groups. He has testified in favor of fairer personal injury laws at the Colorado State Legislature. He loves working with other personal injury lawyers to help their clients achieve full justice, whether it’s talking through complex issues over the phone, sharing data about defense “expert” witnesses, or joining trial teams on tough cases as co-counsel.
But our job isn’t just about the results – our clients have often lost so much more than just the cost of their medical bills or the wages they couldn’t earn because they were hurt. Everyone at Dormer Harpring strives to live a balanced, full life because that’s what allows us to empathize with what our clients are going through. For Sean, the most important things in life are family, the mountains, and music. Sean was born and raised here in Colorado. He cherishes spending time with his wife and their dog and two cats. He loves to do just about anything in the mountains, from rock climbing, mountain biking, and skiing, to fly fishing, hiking, backpacking, and camping. He enjoys riding and working on his motorcycle. He likes to play his guitar and sing, but mostly just to himself.
If you’d like to see about having Sean help with your personal injury case, please give us a call at.
Practice Areas
9
Practice Areas
Car Accident
12%
Criminal Defense
12%
Defective and Dangerous Products
12%
Insurance
12%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 100-250 per hour
Contingency
25%-40%
Pro bono
5 %
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2014
Licenses
Licensed in Colorado for 13 years
State: Colorado
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Sean online.
Sean M. Dormer's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 12 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Katie | October 18, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Like Family
Sean was, not only an amazing attorney, but also a huge support system for me while I went through many medical procedures to try and get me back to my pre-injury condition. He made himself available and never made me feel like I was a bother...even when I know I was at times. He was very empathetic ...
Posted by Alma | September 10, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Incredible attorney and amazing person
Sean was the only attorney who believed in my case. He worked over many years and never once lost faith in me. He approached the case from many angles and his knowledge always impressed me. He was excellent at communicating with me in order to keep me in the loop of what was going on with my case. ...
Posted by anonymous | September 15, 2016 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
10/10
Helped clear a few things up about my case as well as made recommendations as to how I can proceed. It was a very pleasant experience.
Posted by Audreia | July 24, 2015
highly recommended
Sean made the whole process as easy on me as possible. He was personally available for any questions or concerns I had. He was great at getting in touch with me in a very timely manner with all updates on my case. I would recommend Sean to anyone looking for a great attorney who keeps you informed a...
Posted by Kerry | June 30, 2015
Responsive, Communicative, Ethical
Sean Dormer was immediately responsive to my phone calls. I had a deadline and he was on top of getting back to me and answering questions. He is very intelligent and listens to specifics. Because of the time he took in consultation I was able to make a very good decisions for my situation. Mr Dormer...
Sean M. Dormer's Lawyer Endorsements
"I went to law school with Sean and can say that, without a doubt, he is one of the best litigators I know. He cares so much about his clients and works his rear-end off trying to get them every dollar they deserve. We are both active in the Colorado Trial Lawyer's Association where Sean can be found always trying to learn more about his craft. I would highly recommend Sean!"
"Sean is a first-rate attorney. He is intelligent, compassionate, and driven. Sean's work-ethic is second to none."
"Sean is an articulate, intelligent, ethical and professional attorney. His knowledge and expertise regarding litigation and personal injury matters is top shelf. Not only do I highly endorse Sean, but I refer my personal injury clients to him as well."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I've known Sean for years, and I can safely say that he is one of the most caring lawyers I know. Not only that, but he works relentlessly for his clients."
"I endorse Sean without reservation. He has demonstrated an exceptional grasp of the law and is a superb litigator."
"Mr. Dormer was a co-worker of mine for over a year, and he is a consummate professional. While working on cases together, I always felt he took the time and effort necessary to truly advocate for his clients. Mr. Dormer is not only well-versed in the law, but he is profoundly passionate about helping his clients. I would definitely recommend Mr. Dormer to someone seeking a personal injury attorney."
"Great guy and great lawyer. Competent, honest, and hard-working. I recommend him for any personal injury matter."
"Mr. Dormer and I worked together on a difficult injury case in litigation. Mr. Dormer knows the law better than anyone else I've worked with and is a very skilled personal injury litigation attorney."
"Highly skilled and respected in the community. I endorse this lawyer."
"I strongly endorse Mr. Dormer. He is a beacon of professionalism and experience in the community. He not only gets the best for his client, but fights tirelessly on every case. Mr. Dormer is the type of attorney that younger lawyers go to when they need advice. He is a credit to the profession, and I highly recommend choosing him as your attorney."
"Sean Dormer is a fantastic lawyer. He is very attentive to detail. I am proud to endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse attorney Sean Dormer. He is a strong and aggressive advocate for his clients which has earned him respect from current and former clients as well as his colleagues in the legal community."
"Attorney Sean Dormer donates his time posting very helpful legal answers in the Avvo community to assist individuals seeking advice. This demonstrates a compassion to help people in need. He is an asset to the legal profession. I fully endorse him."
"I endorse attorney Sean Dormer. A dedicated professional who will aggressively fight for his clients. Highly respected by current and former clients. He is an asset to our legal profession."
"I endorse attorney Sean Dormer. Competent, experienced, and hard working attorney with a proven track record of success."
"I endorse this lawyer as one who is a specialist in their field and highly recommend."
"I endorse attorney Sean Dormer. Gives back to the community by donating his time answering legal questions on Avvo. He is knowledgeable, talented and dedicated to his profession."
"I endorse attorney Sean Dormer. Donates time posting thoughtful and accurate legal answers on Avvo to help individuals asking for advice. An asset to our profession."
"Sean Dormer is a smart, caring professional and I have been impressed with him since I met him. I will be continuing to refer cases to Sean Dormer as he is an excellent personal injury attorney and an asset to the profession here in Colorado."
Sarah McEahern
Personal injury lawyer
Kevin Cheney
Personal injury lawyer
Paul Miller
Business lawyer
K.C. Harpring
Personal injury lawyer
Samuel Cannon
Unknown lawyer
Richard Gama
Personal injury lawyer
Rebecca Albano
Brain injury lawyer
Ronald Hedding
Criminal defense lawyer
James Goldstein
Criminal defense lawyer
Marie Drake
Insurance lawyer
Dmitry Gorin
Criminal defense lawyer
William Lapham
Personal injury lawyer
Tara King
Personal injury lawyer
Alan Eisner
Criminal defense lawyer
Porya Fard
Medical malpractice lawyer
Dale Casares
Car accident lawyer
William Marlin
Personal injury lawyer
Mechelle Faulk
Divorce and separation lawyer
Alisha Coombe
Divorce and separation lawyer
Rickey Fitzsimmons
Divorce and separation lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2024
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2023
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2022
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2021
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017
Lifetime Membership, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2016
Board Member, Colorado Trial Lawyers Association
2016
Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers
2010
Member - Traveling Mock Trial Team, University of Colorado School of Law
2009
First Place - Colorado Cup Trial Competition, University of Colorado School of Law
Work Experience
1900 - Present
Attorney, Dormer Harpring, LLC
2011 - 2013
Associate Attorney; (prev. Law Clerk), Bendinelli Law Office, P.C.
Associations
2017 - Present
Multi-Million Dollar Advocates ForumLifetime Member
2013 - Present
Robert C. Rhone-Ava M. Brackett American Inn of CourtAssociate Barrister
2012 - Present
Colorado Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
Colorado Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2016 - 2016
Colorado Trial Lawyers AssociationBoard Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Kate v. Dillon Companies, Inc.
Plaintiff Win - Verdict of $1.77 million
Milam v. Fry
Plaintiff Win - Judgment approx. 30x final Allstate offer - Defense to pay costs and interest
Fredrich v. Boulee
Plaintiff Win - Judgment approx. 5x Final State Farm Offer - Defense to Pay Interest and Costs
BC - Confidential Settlement
Settled - $9,000 gross, plus medical benefits. (Past success does not guarantee future results)
SA - Confidential Settlement
Approx. $21k medical and therapy bills paid, approx. $26k to client after bills and fees paid (Past success does not guarantee future results).
Banning v. Prester, 317 P.3d 1284 (Colo. App. 2012).
Win - new trial for plaintiff, with new plaintiff-friendly law established in Colorado.
RC - Confidential Settlement
$100,000 Settlement (Past success does not guarantee future results)
Education
2012
University of Colorado School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2009
University of California - Berkeley
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2006
Cherry Creek High School
Speaking Engagements
2017
Premises Liability Committee Meeting
Trial Report - Kate v. Dillon Companies, Inc., Verdict of $1.77M
Publications
2015
Colorado Law Guide - Free Service of Dormer Law, LLC
Colorado Car Accident Checklist – 9 Simple Steps to Take if You’ve Just Been in a Crash
Languages
English
French
Activity
Legal Answers
Top Contributor
Sean earned significant contribution points in 2014.
Legal Answers
Q&A
My stepson was a driving a car that is in my husband's name, however everyone is on my insurance policy.
28 Oct 2014
Q&A
What should i do if i was caught driving without insurance unknowingly in colorado.Should have the officer act like DMV agent
15 Oct 2014
Q&A
Can I sue my dad for mental anguish or any other factors relating to stress, depression, and somewhat anxiety?
15 Oct 2014